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Ulysses Winning the Archery Contest in the Presence of Penelope's Suitors

Francesco Primaticcio, 1555–1559

Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool

This is taken from an episode in Homer's 'Odyssey' when Ulysses wins an archery contest to prove that he is the best suitor for Penelope's hand in marriage. Without leaving his seat, Ulysses shoots his arrow through a row of rings watched by his son Telemachus (extreme right), his divine guardian Athene, who stands behind him holding a shield, and other potential suitors. This drawing was the modello for the fresco commissioned by Francis I for the palace at Fontainebleau. The gallery holding the fresco was destroyed in 1738-39.

More information

Title of artwork, date

Ulysses Winning the Archery Contest in the Presence of Penelope's Suitors, 1555–1559

Date supported

1992

Medium and material

Red chalk heightened with pink on paper

Dimensions

24.5 x 32.4 cm

Grant

60000

Total cost

245300

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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